Pregnancy is a time when your body undergoes significant change. Most obviously, your belly grows and your total body weight increases (usually by 10 – 15kgs!!). This increase in total body weight and changed distribution of body weight (coming forward) places extra pressure on the lower back, pelvis and legs – causing strain and pain.
In fact, the incidence of pregnancy-related back and pelvic joint pain is estimated to be 50%. Risk factors include:
- A previous history of Low Back Pain (LBP) or Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
- A previous trauma to the back or pelvis.
- Physically demanding work (such as retail, teaching, nursing etc.)
- Multiparity
A combination of factors: hormonal, biomechanical, genetic and traumatic also contribute to a woman’s likelihood of experiencing pregnancy related back and pelvic joint pain.
Hormonal
During pregnancy women produce the hormone Relaxin. Relaxin enables the soft tissues including skin, fascia, ligaments and muscles to stretch during the pregnancy, in preparation for birth. Increased ligamentous stretch (laxity) enables more movement to occur at the normally very stable pelvic joints (sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis). A combination of extra movement and the reduction of strength and control in the core stabilising muscles (around the pelvis) results in reduced stability (pelvic instability) and pain.
Biomechanical
As pregnancy progresses the uterus grows from the size of a peach to the size of a watermelon increasing load on the spine and pelvis. The resultant movement of the uterus up and forwards increases the lumbar curvature and causes a forward tilt of the pelvis. Associated tightness of spinal muscles, and lengthening of the core abdominal muscles can result in a painful lower back and pelvis. The increased load can also put pressure on the blood vessels (veins) that carry blood back from the legs and feet to the heart. Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that can become painful and unsightly with the extra load during pregnancy.
So how can Solidea help you during Pregnancy?
Solidea Pregnancy Shorts, Stockings and Leggings are true medical compression products. Each garment has undergone stringent quality testing during the manufacturing process, stating the level of compression they provide.
- Solidea Pregnancy Shorts provide even 12mmHg compression. They are suitable for all women during pregnancy. The high waist helps lift the weight of the growing baby, better supporting the back and pelvic joints and abdominal muscles.
- Solidea Pregnancy Leggings look great under skirts and dresses. They are cropped at the ankle and provide 12-15mmHg graduated compression, meaning slightly more compression around the lower leg, lessening up the leg to promote circulation. Like the Solidea Pregnancy Compression Shorts, these leggings have a high waist to avoid and/or minimise pregnancy related back and pelvic joint pain. More importantly, if a woman suffers from varicose veins that extend past the mid-thigh, the graduated compression will improve circulation.
- Solidea Opaque Pregnancy Stockings provide Class 1 graduated compression (18-21mmHg). This higher level compression is important for women who have swollen painful legs and varicose veins extending into the foot. These Pregnancy Compression Stockings are suitable for all pregnant women during winter under skirts and dresses.
Another unique quality of Solidea products is their lightweight breathable fabric. During pregnancy, women have extra blood volume which boosts metabolism – creating more body heat. The Solidea range will provide plenty of support without compromising the thickness or integrity of the material. No sweating here!!
So to prevent or manage your pregnancy-related aches and pains throughout the seasons, don’t look pass the Solidea Maternity range!! If you are unsure which Pregnancy Compression garment would best suit you, don’t hesitate to contact us through the website. A qualified Women’s Health Physiotherapist can help you.